Mic Archive
Neumann U 87 (U 87 i)
Photo: Neumann, from its manual, p. 3.

Georg Neumann GmbH

Neumann U 87 (U 87 i)

Large-diaphragm condenser (FET, transformer output) with three patterns (omni, cardioid, figure-8); the original U 87 and the U 87 i, before the U 87 Ai

Approximate Some readings for this mic are uncertain; see the graphs.

Power Phantom, 48 V ± 4 V (P48, DIN 45 596); or two internal batteries.

Type
Condenser
Pattern
Switchable, 3OmniCardioidFigure-8
Sensitivity
−41.9 dBV/Pa
vs 75 side-address condensers

More output than 11% of 75 side-address condensers.

Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published sensitivity, and each bar counts them; further right means more output. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 204 condensers: more output than 28%
  • Among 311 mics: more output than 49%
Self-noise
18 dB(A)
vs 99 side-address condensers

Quieter than 13% of 99 side-address condensers.

Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published self-noise, and each bar counts them; further right means quieter. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 258 condensers: quieter than 33%
  • Among 272 mics: quieter than 32%
Max SPL
122 dB SPL
vs 107 side-address condensers

Takes louder sound than 12% of 107 side-address condensers.

Each stripe is one side-address condenser with a published max SPL, and each bar counts them; further right means it takes louder sound. This mic is in blue.

  • Among 277 condensers: takes louder sound than 8%
  • Among 343 mics: takes louder sound than 6%
Rated range
40 – 16k Hz
Released
1967

Frequency response

Instruments sources recommend it for most

5 of 30; all under Recommended for.

Angle

Distance

From the manual, p. 10.

Polar pattern

Transparency

From the manual, p. 11. Approximate

Compare with other mics

All specs

From the manual
Sensitivity−41.9 dBV/Pa (8 mV/Pa)1 kHz; ±1 dB. Printed "8 mV/Pa ±1 dB"; converted with 20·log10(0.008 V). Pattern not stated. The brochure gives the original U 87 as "approx. 0.8 mV/µb" (the same, 8 mV/Pa; p. 4).p. 9
Self-noise18 dB(A)IEC 179, DIN 45 634. "A-weighted equivalent loudness level due to inherent noise (IEC 179, DIN 45 634): 18 dB". The weighted figure per DIN 45 590 (25 dB) is in the extra specs.
Max SPL122 dB SPL0.5% THD at 1 kHz; also 132 dB SPL, with sensitivity reduction (pad). "Max. SPL for 0.5% THD at 1 kHz: 122 dB ≙ 25 Pa; with sensitivity reduction 132 dB ≙ 79 Pa". The brochure gives the original U 87 as 126 dB (extra specs).
Signal-to-noise ratio69 dBDIN 45 590, ref. level 1 Pa. "S/N ratio according to DIN 45 590 (ref. level 1 Pa): 69 dB" (94 dB minus the 25 dB weighted noise level).
Output impedance200 ohmstandard wiring; 50 ohm by re-soldering the transformer. "Source impedance: 200 ohms, solderable to 50 ohms". At 50 ohms the output drops by 6 dB (p. 4).
Rated load impedance1000 ohmminimum, 200 ohm wiring; also 250 ohm, minimum, 50 ohm wiring. "Minimum load impedance: 1000 ohms/250 ohms".
Rated frequency range40 Hz to 16 kHz"Frequency range: 40...16 000 Hz"; the same for the original U 87 in the brochure (p. 4).
Poweringphantom, 48 V ± 4 V (P48, DIN 45 596); or two internal batteries"Power supply (P 48, DIN 45 596): 48 V ±4 V Phantom powering". Internal batteries: two IEC 15 F 15 cells (e.g. Mallory M-505) for over 150 hours, with an INT/EXT switch and a battery meter (p. 6).
Current draw0.4 mA
Low cutoff, onThird switch: "introduces a low frequency roll-off", set so that the cardioid response is flat at a talking distance of 30-40 cm and the figure-8 at 15-20 cm. Frequency and slope not stated. Separately, feedback at the FET gate attenuates below 30 Hz in all positions.p. 2
Pad−10 dB"A second slider switch located on the rear of the microphone introduces a pre-attenuation of about 10 dB in the circuit."
ConnectorXLR-3 (U 87 i); 7-pole Binder/Tuchel (U 87)U 87 i: "male 3-pole connector insert" (XLR type), pin 2 hot. U 87 (special version): "large male 7-pole connector insert", wired per DIN 45 599 G.p. 4
Weight500 g"500 g (17.7 ozs.)". The brochure gives the original U 87 as 550 g (p. 4).p. 9
Dimensions200 × 56 mm"56 mm (2.2") in diam., 200 mm (7.9") long"; length × diameter. The same in the brochure (p. 4).
VersionsU 87 i (XLR-3); U 87 (7-pole connector, "special version available until further notice"); U 87 i mt and U 87 mt (dark matt finish)p. 4
TransducerPressure gradient transducer; elastically suspended dual-membrane capsulep. 9
Equivalent noise, weightedDIN 45 59025 dB
Max. output voltage200 mV
Battery operationTwo internal IEC 15 F 15 cells, over 150 hours; or the BS 945 i battery supply, at least 15 hoursp. 6
OutputOutput transformer with high common mode rejection and a static shield windingp. 2
Bass roll-off below 30 Hz"A frequency-dependent feedback attenuates components below 30 Hz at the gate of the field effect transistor, while components above 40 Hz are transmitted unattenuated"
ResponseNeumannIn the cardioid and figure-8 positions the response is "practically linear for perpendicular sound incidence, even in the upper audio frequency range"
Cable lengthNot more than 300 mp. 5
AccessoriesIC 3 and IC 4 cables (U 87 i); KC 73, UC 73 and KT 1 cables (U 87); N 452 i mains supply; BS 945 i battery supplyp. 4
From the catalog
Original U 87 (brochure): self-noiseApprox. 26 dB (DIN 45 405, re 2·10⁻⁴ µbar)p. 4
Original U 87 (brochure): max. SPL126 dB (≥ 400 µbar) for 0.5% THD
Original U 87 (brochure): capsule capacitance2 × approx. 50 pF
Original U 87 (brochure): supply48 V +6/−8 V DC, approx. 0.4 mA; batteries about 200 hours
Original U 87 (brochure): weight550 g
Original U 87 (brochure): featuresOmni, cardioid and figure-of-eight; in cardioid the close-talking bass rise can be switched to "linear"; capsule sensitivity can be reduced ahead of the amplifier; room for batteriesp. 3
From the Recording Hacks page
Released1967

Documents

Copies kept by Mic Archive (manufacturers move and drop their documents). Each is © Georg Neumann GmbH, unchanged, with its original address.

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